Review: The Book of Living Secrets by Madeleine Roux

The Book of Living Secrets is an atmospheric, spooky read that doesn’t quite live up to its exceptional premise.

Adelle and Connie’s favourite book is an obscure gothic romance called Moira. Adelle was always obsessed over the gorgeous, artistic hero, but Connie was secretly more interested in the titular heroine. When Connie disappoints Adelle by backing out of their prom night plans, she’ll do anything to make it up to her. That includes going with her to a magic shop where the mysterious owner says he knows a spell to get them inside their book. Connie doesn’t think it’ll work, but then, there she is, inside the gothic world of Moira. This isn’t the book they remember though. Something dark lurks in the sea.

This book sounded amazing, and it was a lot of fun to read. Best friends trapped in a gothic book is a fantastic premise. The book launches into the plot, which is great in theory, but you don’t get to see much of Adelle and Connie’s friendship before they get separated. We know that they’re very close, but we don’t get to see it. The world and characters of Moira felt a little two-dimensional. It makes sense considering they’re part of a book world, but it made the story less compelling. It was great to see how the author focused on the secondary characters of Moira. The idea that the main characters aren’t as interesting when you actually get to meet them was a fun one. I loved how this book tackled class and critiqued how historical romance books tend to erase working-class people. It demonstrated the stark difference between the glittering banquets of the upper class and the people starving in the city’s underbelly. The horror aspect was also great fun. Strange dreams, people walking into the sea, and an unfathomable monster you might recognise. The Book of Living Secrets wasn’t quite what I wanted it to be, but it was still an entertaining read I’d recommend to YA fantasy and horror lovers.

Thanks to Harper360YA for providing me with an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.

MADELEINE ROUX is the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of the Asylum series, which has sold over a million copies worldwide. She is also the author of the House of Furies series, and several titles for adults, including Salvaged and Reclaimed. She has made contributions to Star Wars, World of Warcraft, and Dungeons & Dragons. Madeleine lives in Seattle, Washington with her partner and beloved pups.